North Devon Council has launched a best practice charter for operating a considerate holiday let in partnership with the UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA). The aim of the charter is to provide advice to anyone who lets out whole properties or rooms for short-stay lettings. 

This landmark launch of the 10-point charter recognises the value that short-term holiday lets bring to the area. The council believes that supporting responsible letting with a best practice charter will encourage positive contributions to the economies and communities of the district and help prevent any anti-social or illegal activities associated with holiday lets. 

The charter is a set of guiding principles for property owners, managing agents or hosts, made up of 10 practices which they should adhere to. It includes the requirements to provide a clear code of conduct for guests including mindfulness of neighbours, provide neighbours with a 24/7 contact number to use when issues arise, for example, noisy parties, and ensure appropriate arrangements are made for rubbish/recycling storage and collection. 

Merilee Karr, chair of the STAA and CEO of UnderTheDoormat, said, “We are so pleased to have worked in partnership with North Devon Council to create this 10-point charter. We would love to talk to other councils about replicating this charter across the UK.”